During earlier inspections in the mid-1990s, trust had broken down badly in the council when first Russia and China, then France, tiring of mounting Iraqi intransigence, argued for a switch to less intrusive monitoring and an easing of sanctions so that trade could resume.

ECONOMIST: Iraq and weapons of mass destruction

Low cost improvements can include replacing incandescent lights with CFL or LED alternatives, master switches to make it easier to switch off appliances at night, energy monitoring to make it easier to identify waste, draft proofing, and using plants or shade-cloth to keep the summer sun off your home.

FORBES: With $2,000 To Spend, What's The Most Effective Way To Reduce One's Carbon Footprint?